‘Salome’ to hit Quezon province – Pagasa

Quezon is predicted to bear the brunt of tropical depression “Salome”, which is expected to dump rains over Southern Luzon, Bicol region, Mindoro and Northern Samar in the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said midday Thursday.

“Quezon ang mapupuruhan sa pagdaan ng bagyo ukol sa ulan,” weather forecaster Nicos Penaranda said in a press briefing.

But the rains will ease out on Friday based on the 24 hour-forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“Ngayong araw magsisimula ngayong hapon makakaranas ng maraming ulan. Bukas merong significant change, konti na lang ang ulan,” Penaranda said.

Metro Manila, which was placed under Signal No. 1, is anticipated to experience moderate rains starting Thursday afternoon due to Salome and the northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan”.

The tropical depression slightly intensified as it crossed Ticao Pass, Pagasa noted.

Salome packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It moved west northwest at 25 kph.

Aside from Metro Manila, Signal No. 1 was also raised over Rizal, Bataan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, Romblon, Marinduque, Quezon, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte including Biliran.

Salome is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday.          /kga